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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” said the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the operator explained.

In a later statement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would review the decision to put them down.

The director mentioned that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we request kindness and courtesy as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to humanely kill the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and containment obligations.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to close until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.